Apply For A Business License
Richmond, Virginia

How do I apply for a business license in the City of Richmond?

For the ease of its citizens, the City of Richmond has included a business license application form on their website to eliminate time for you, a future business owner. Go to http://www.richmondgov.com/Finance/forms.aspx. Although the form itself cannot be submitted online, you have the option of mailing the form or dropping it off in person.

Take note that the City updates the business license application annually. Make certain that you complete the application for the current year. Also, if you print out the application from home be aware that the application is required to be printed on white paper, otherwise, the application will be rejected. All new businesses are mandated to obtain a business license within 30 days of the opening of business.

Have the information that you will need before you attempt to complete the application: address of business location, trade name of business, Federal ID Number (IRS issued, call 800-829-4933), business start date, Zoning Certificate (Department of Planning and Development 804-646-7000), business entity type, financial data, contractor information (if you are a contractor), required permits, and signature.

Your business license application must be sent in with a check made payable to the City of Richmond and a current copy of a DMV-issued driver’s license or photo I.D.

How do I know how much to pay?

The Business License Tax, also known as the Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL), is due with your application. You determine this based upon what you expect your gross annual receipts will be for the year. If you expect to earn less than $5,000.00 annually, there is no payment due. If the expected gross receipts are between $5,000.00 and $99,000.00 then the annual fee is $30.00. If it is $100,000.00 or more is the information so that you may calculate:

Fees are due and must be paid in full within 30 days of the commencement of your business.

I want to operate a booth. Is the process different?

Fortunately, the business license application is the same. The way the Business License Tax is calculated, however, is different. Having a license to operate a booth is also known as a Peddler’s License and there is a flat rate fee to do so, $ 225.00 annually. Likewise, if you want to be a Sidewalk Vendor, the charge is the same. If you have questions, contact the City of Richmond at (804) 646-5700.

And if I have additional questions?

The City of Richmond is there to answer any and all questions pertaining to opening a new business and the application process. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Click the link to your city below to apply for a business license

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